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MUSCLE RELAXANTS
Laurice Mitchell
What are muscle relaxants?
Used to relax or decrease the tone of skeletal muscles.
Muscles responsible for voluntary movement.
Works on the central nervous system.
Neuromuscular Blocking Drugs
Blocks the transmission of nervous signals to the muscle.
Used during surgery.
Does not block the sensation of pain.
Other Muscle Relaxants
Relax muscle to lesser degree. Used to manage seizure, muscle spasms,
or pain associated with muscle injuries.
Availability
Prescription only in the United State Some can be bought in Canada without
prescription.
Side Effects
Risk of dependence Impaired
movement and coordination
Dry mouth
Light headed Blurred vision Less alert
Muscle Relaxants
Carisoprodol (Soma) Chloroxazone (Parafon Forte DSC) Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) Methocarbamol (Robaxin)
Substance abuse and dependence
Increasing problem About 1% of American adults are taking
muscle relaxants Majority have developed a habit.
High Doses
Buzz Sense of euphoria Mood enhancement Pleasant
misperceptions
History of abuse
In the 90’s several members of hospital staff was charged with murder.
Overdosed on two muscle relaxants Muscle relaxants were pulled off the
market.
Statistics
In 2006, 16.2 million Americans age 12 and older had taken a prescription pain reliever, tranquilizer, stimulant, or sedative for nonmedical purposes at least once in the year prior to being surveyed.
More than 6.3 Million American reported current use of prescription drugs for nonmedical purposes in 2003.-
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